Southern California -- this just in

Actor's alleged victim died of head trauma, strangulation

September 27, 2012 | 5:27
pm

The 81-year-old woman police say was killed by a "Sons of Anarchy" actor died of blunt head trauma and strangulation, Los Angeles County coroner's officials said.

Investigators have identified Johnny Lewis, 28, as the sole suspect in the death of Catherine Davis after an altercation Wednesday at her Los Feliz home, where Davis had rented a room to the actor. Lewis was later found dead in the driveway. His cause of death was deferred for further testing, said Capt. John Cades at the coroner's office.

Los Angeles police were called to Davis' home in the 3600 block of Lowry Road about 10:40 a.m. after receiving several calls reporting a "screaming woman" and three men fighting.

Lewis apparently hopped a fence and began attacking a painter in a nearby yard, according to one of Davis' neighbors.

The neighbor, his wife and the painter ran into the house after managing to shake Lewis. It took all three barricaded against the door to keep him out, the neighbor said.

When police arrived, Lewis was dead in Davis' driveway about six feet from a wall. They later found Davis' body in her home.

Authorities said Lewis may have been under the influence of drugs. Several sources said he also suffered from mental health issues.

The actor had been arrested at least three times this year and had "lost his way," according to "Sons of Anarchy" creator Kurt Sutter.

"it was a tragic end for an extremely talented guy, who unfortunately had lost his way," Sutter tweeted. "i wish i could say that i was shocked by the events last night, but i was not. i am deeply sorry that an innocent life had to be thrown in his destructive path."

"yes, it's day or mourning, but it's also a day of awareness and gratitude," the message continued. "sadly, some of us carry the message by dying."